DHL Aviation, the air cargo division of DHL Express, has unveiled a new premium cargo product, Xcelerate, designed to provide customers with fast-track, airport-to-airport shipping solutions. The service promises the fastest available transit times, guaranteed capacity, and high loading priority to meet growing demand for expedited global logistics.
The launch of Xcelerate signals DHL’s strategic push into premium freight offerings, targeting freight forwarders and major shippers with urgent and time-sensitive needs. According to the company, the product was developed based on direct customer feedback and is aimed at providing a “must-fly” solution similar to priority passenger travel experiences.
Ingrid Raj, Global Head of Aviation Commercial at DHL Express, said the service sets a new standard for premium cargo shipping. “We are excited to now offer our cargo customers a premium option similar to the experience offered to passengers by certain airlines,” she stated. “This ‘must-fly’ offering has been developed based on customer feedback and the collaboration of various departments.”
Xcelerate offers several distinct advantages. Customers can receive immediate booking confirmations and make last-minute cargo submissions, even close to flight departures. The service guarantees capacity where available and ensures priority loading, meaning shipments are given precedence even with late booking. On arrival, cargo is released with priority, allowing last-loaded goods to be among the first recovered—minimizing delays at the destination.
Paul Ennis, Vice President of Global Operations at DHL Aviation, added that Xcelerate reflects DHL’s continued commitment to flexibility and service excellence. “With the introduction of Xcelerate, we are further living up to our customer promise of ‘Excellence, Simply Delivered’ by providing the highest levels of flexibility and attention for their cargo with a standardized, easy-to-access service,” he said.
To ensure transparency and peace of mind for customers, a dedicated customer service team will oversee each shipment’s journey, offering proactive email notifications and end-to-end support.
In addition to operational speed and efficiency, Xcelerate also contributes to DHL’s broader environmental goals. The new service includes a mandatory surcharge for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which aligns with DHL’s long-term climate ambitions. The company aims for over 30% SAF blending by 2030 and net-zero emissions across its operations by 2050.
This combination of premium service and environmental responsibility underscores DHL’s intent to lead the next phase of innovation in the air cargo industry. As businesses increasingly rely on fast, reliable, and sustainable logistics, services like Xcelerate may become crucial tools in global supply chains.
With international trade continuing to demand speed, agility, and environmental accountability, DHL’s Xcelerate positions the company to meet market needs while reinforcing its brand promise and long-term strategic objectives.
